FONT

SHARE THIS

MORE STORIES

'Snapper' Jones dies

Former Franklin High and Oregon Ducks star became nationally known NBA broadcaster after 9-year pro career

Former Trail Blazers player and announcer and longtime NBA broadcaster Steve Jones died Saturday night in Houston, the team announced.

Jones, who starred at Franklin High and the University of Oregon, was 75.

Known as "The Snapper," Jones was distinctive with his opinions at the microphone during games and in discussing basketball. He was known for his willingness to be candid and critique even the home team, to needle colleagues and to enjoy a good laugh.

Blazers broadcasting legend Bill Schonely recalled how Jones would call him "Pops" and remembered him as "good-natured" and "a terrific guy."

Jones spent most of his pro career as a player in the American Basketball Association. He was a three-time ABA All-Star guard. He played 64 games for the Blazers in 1975-76, averaging 6.5 points per game.

During a nine-year pro career, he scored 15.2 points in 704 games.

As a broadcaster, he worked for ESPN, ABC, TBS, TNT, Fox Sports Net, USA Network and NBA, serving as an analyst for the "NBA on NBC" for more than a decade.

Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, he led the Oregon Ducks in scoring in 1963-64. Younger brother Nick Jones also was a standout player at Franklin and the U of O, and went on to become part of the Blazers' community relations staff for several years.